This is about an elderly woman, nearing the end of her life, forced to move in with her middle aged son and his wife.

Alan has always felt a distance from his strong and cold mother and has been unable to forgive her for his upbringing.

I thought this book improved nearer the end, it was a bit dry at the beginning.

We all see our own lives differently than how others see it, for only we know the 'truth' of ourselves.

Passing this on to cestmoi.

(hardcover)

Picked this up at the Oakville meet-up today!

I really enjoyed this! This was the first book by Miller that I've read and the summary made me wonder if it would be slow moving...but it surprised me! I liked the different voices from all the character in the past and present.

Offering as an international ray!

Participants:
arugh48187 (india)
kobie03 (Canada)

RELEASE NOTES:

Sent off to start this one-participant ray (so far)!
Hope you enjoy!

HOLY CRAP!!!! I had totally given up on this one, but after almost THREE months of travel it has finally arrived. I have a couple of rings in front of it, but it shouldn't take too long.

Every time I read one of Miller's novels I am amazed at her writing skill. Her language and phrasing and style are like immersing yourself in a warm bath complete with salts, oil, candles, and a glass of wine. I just finished On Green Dolphin Street and complained that it didn't have enough plot to keep me totally interested, and yet The Distinguished Guest had even less plot and had me totally enthralled. Bizarre!

I was a flip-flopper where Lily was concerned. I couldn't decide if she was an interesting old timer with a bit of backbone or a nasty old cantankerous bitch. She may have been a little of both and the author left it up for interpretation as a point. I thought the love story between Gaby and Alan was just about the sweetest love story I've ever read. Though I suppose any love story can be just as sweet if you don't tell about the silly arguments over stupid stuff like how to separate an egg or sweep the kitchen floor.

Thanks for sharing. It will go out to the next in line as soon as I get an address.

RELEASE NOTES:

Sent off to kobie03 who is next on the list. Happy reading!

Book arrived today. Thanks for sharing, I've wanted to read this as I love books about families especially adult children and aging parents and Sue Miller's writing impressed me in The Good Mother. I have a couple of rings to finish first but I shall read it soon and send it on.

I really enjoyed this book, fascinating to read of an adult son's reaction to caretaking his elderly mother. Alan and Gaby's love story brought a lightness to the story. I found it interesting in Lily's last story she says " It is the right of the children to leave parents, it is what they need to do, in order to be adult. And the transformation into memory of a parent is a gift we give gladly only to the dead, receive gratefully only from them." Miller captures family relationships beautifully.
Thanks for sharing this wonderful book. I'm last in the ray so I'll post an offer to ray it forward.

RELEASE NOTES:

offered as a ray, mailed surface mail to cat207

Arrived in today's mail. Thank you so much kobie03. I'm really looking forward to this one. I love Sue Miller.

This is the third longest registered book on my shelf - and it is in beautiful condition!

A touching story of the relationship between a mature-age child and his mother.
It is a sad fact that we usually only think of experiences as they relate to us.

Given to davemurray101 at this evening's meeting at Cafe Deore.

picked this up a few days ago at the BCNewcastle meeting. but left it in my bag until today. will get to it soon.

just finished this one. was interesting in parts. some could have been more developed - ie the fugitive sister and the husband. had a lot of potential but doesn't live up to the great family sagas out there.

WILD RELEASE NOTES:

releasing at the bookcrossing newcastle meeting tomorrow

I picked this up while I was at the Newcastle BXing meeting yesterday.